Operating device and cleaning appliance which can be carried on the back

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an operating device for controlling, in particular for activating and deactivating, a cleaning device and/or an energy supply device of a cleaning appliance that can be carried on the back, which operating device includes a control signal generating device for producing control signals for controlling the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device and a signal transmission device for transmitting the control signals, wherein the control signal generating device includes at least one first switch member for activating and deactivating the cleaning device, wherein the operating device includes at least one second switch member for activating and deactivating at least one mode of operation of the cleaning device and wherein the at least one first switch member and the at least one second switch member are constructed in a haptically distinguishable manner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of international application number PCT/EP2016/060764 filed on May 12, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an operating device for controlling and in particular for activating and deactivating a cleaning device and/or an energy supply device of a cleaning appliance that can be carried on the back, which operating device comprises a control signal generating device for generating control signals for controlling the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device and a signal transmission device for transmitting the control signals, wherein the control signal generating device comprises at least one first switch member for activating and deactivating the cleaning device.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a cleaning appliance that can be carried on the back incorporating a cleaning device, a mains-network-independent energy supply device for supplying the cleaning device with energy, in particular electrical energy, and an operating device for controlling the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cleaning appliances that can be carried on the back are known, in particular in the form of blowing appliances that can be carried on the back or suction appliances that can be carried on the back and in particular leaf suction machines or the like. If these are operated by electrical energy, then preferably batteries and in particular rechargeable batteries serve for supplying energy to the cleaning device, a sucking device or a blower device for example.

It is known to provide an operating device for a cleaning appliance that can be carried on the back of the type described hereinabove in the form of a switch or a push-button with which the cleaning device can be activated, in particular, by closing an electric circuit. Hereby, the switch or push-button is arranged on a housing of the cleaning appliance for example.

A problem with cleaning appliances that can be carried on the back is, in particular, the simple and safe handling thereof. In particular in the case where the operating device is not directly observable by the operator because, as previously described, it is arranged on the cleaning appliance for example, an operator is forced in certain circumstances to set the cleaning appliance down in order to operate the first switch member in particular. This, however, has the disadvantage that the cleaning appliance is already activated whilst it is being put down and is thus consuming energy. The cleaning time is thus shortened in an undesirable manner particularly when using batteries.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the invention, an operating device for controlling, in particular for activating and deactivating, a cleaning device and/or an energy supply device of a cleaning appliance that can be carried on the back is provided. The operating device comprises a control signal generating device for producing control signals for controlling the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device and a signal transmission device for transmitting the control signals. The control signal generating device comprises at least one first switch member for activating and deactivating the cleaning device. The operating device comprises at least one second switch member for activating and deactivating at least one mode of operation of the cleaning device. The at least one first switch member and the at least one second switch member are constructed in a haptically distinguishable manner.

In a second aspect of the invention, a cleaning appliance with a cleaning device that is arranged to be carried on the back, a mains-network-independent energy supply device for supplying the cleaning device with energy, in particular electrical energy, and an operating device for controlling the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device is provided. The operating device is constructed in the form of an operating device for controlling, in particular for activating and deactivating, at least one of the cleaning device and the energy supply device. The operating device comprises a control signal generating device for producing control signals for controlling at least one of the cleaning device and the energy supply device and a signal transmission device for transmitting the control signals. The control signal generating device comprises at least one first switch member for activating and deactivating the cleaning device. The operating device comprises at least one second switch member for activating and deactivating at least one mode of operation of the cleaning device. The at least one first switch member and the at least one second switch member are constructed in a haptically distinguishable manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The foregoing summary and the following description may be better understood in conjunction with the drawing figures, of which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a cleaning appliance that can be carried on the back being carried by an operator together with an operating device in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2a a schematic perspective view of an operating device;

FIG. 2b a further perspective view of the operating device depicted in FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 3 a further perspective, partly cut-away view of the operating device depicted in FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 4 a perspective view of the operating device depicted in FIG. 2a with a partly removed housing;

FIG. 5 a side view of a part of the arrangement depicted in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 a schematic illustration of a cleaning device in accordance with the invention cooperating with an operating device in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.

The present invention relates to an operating device for controlling, in particular for activating and deactivating, a cleaning device and/or an energy supply device of a cleaning appliance that can be carried on the back, which operating device comprises a control signal generating device for producing control signals for controlling the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device and a signal transmission device for transmitting the control signals, wherein the control signal generating device comprises at least one first switch member for activating and deactivating the cleaning device, wherein the operating device comprises at least one second switch member for activating and deactivating at least one mode of operation of the cleaning device and wherein the at least one first switch member and the at least one second switch member are constructed in a haptically distinguishable manner

The further development of an operating device that is proposed in accordance with the invention makes it possible on the one hand not only to activate the cleaning appliance and in particular the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device comprised therein but in addition it is also possible to activate or deactivate at least one mode of operation. By this, it should also be understood in particular as meaning a process of switching between at least two different modes of operation. For example, the cleaning device can be activated by the first switch member and the cleaning appliance can be switched from a normal mode of operation into an energy saving mode of operation by the at least one second switch member. It is conceivable in particular for there to be a plurality of energy saving stages or else for there to be modes of operation having increased cleaning power, for example, increased suction power in the case of a suction appliance. Due to the special configuration of the at least one first switch member and of the at least one second switch member, it is easy for an operator to operate the cleaning appliance since the operator can simply and securely differentiate haptically between the at least one first switch member and the at least one second switch member even without direct visual contact with the operating device. This is achieved by the differing haptic construction of the switch members. Thus for example, an operator can feel the switch members and differentiate them from each other by reaching behind for the cleaning appliance that is adapted to be carried on his back or an operating device that is carried laterally on his body. The cleaning appliance can thus be activated simply and securely and if necessary a special mode of operation can be activated, or, switching between modes of operation can be effected. In particular, the operating device can be constructed in the form of an operating device that is separated from or separable from the cleaning appliance. The at least one first switch member and the at least one second switch member can also be formed alternatively in the form of a switch which remains in a given switching position after being actuated. In particular, the construction of the at least one first and/or the at least one second switch member in the form of an electrical push-button switch has the advantage that, for an actuation thereof, a control current only has to flow for a brief period of time which helps to reduce the current consumption in particular in the case of an electrical energy supply device in the form of a battery so that overall, the cleaning appliance can be used for a longer period for cleaning purposes.

The operating device can be handled ergonomically in a simple manner if it comprises a housing. Thus in particular, it can be constructed and arranged separately from the cleaning appliance, for example, separately from the cleaning appliance on an item of clothing of an operator.

It is expedient if the housing comprises at least one side wall and if the at least one first switch member and the at least one second switch member are arranged or formed in or on the at least one side wall. An operator can then feel in a simple manner where the at least one second switch member is located when the at least one first switch member has been felt. This is possible, in particular, without direct visual contact with the switch members.

In particular hereby, a particularly compact and user-friendly construction of the operating device is possible if the at least one first switch member and the at least one second switch member are arranged or formed on the same side wall of the housing. Thus for example, the operating device can also be optionally inserted into a receptacle in the cleaning appliance, whereby all of the switch members provided on the operating device that are arranged or formed on the same side wall of the housing can then still be freely accessible. In addition, the operating device can be actuated in a simple manner by means of an operator's thumb for example.

It is expedient, if the at least one side wall forms an upper side of the housing which, in the intended arrangement and orientation of the operating device, faces in a direction opposite to the direction of the force of gravity. This arrangement in particular has the advantage that an operator can, if necessary, obtain direct visual contact with the switch members in a simple manner.

The at least one first and the at least one second switch member can be differentiated in a simple manner if the at least one first switch member is in the form of an electromechanical push-button actuator or switch and if the at least one second switch member is in the form of a membrane push-button or switch. Switch members of this type can be felt in a simple and certain manner and can be differentiated haptically by an operator. In particular, a membrane push-button can be constructed in the form of a resiliently deformable contact area which is deformed in the manner of a clicker in order to produce a control signal for example. Optionally, an actuating noise produced by the switch members upon actuation thereof could also be different so that an operator can receive acoustic feedback in regard to an actuation of the switch members.

Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the at least one first switch member and the at least one second switch member are constructed in a manner such that a first actuating force for actuating the at least one first switch member and a second actuating force for actuating the at least one second switch member differ. Thus for example, the at least one first switch member can be actuatable by a larger or smaller actuating force than the at least one second switch member.

Preferably, the second actuating force is larger than the first actuating force. In particular, the second actuating force can be at least twice as big as the first actuating force. The at least one second switch member can then be prevented in this way from being actuated unintentionally, in particular, in the event of actuation of the first switch member.

In order to further improve the usability of the operating device, it is expedient if the operating device comprises a fixing device for attaching or fixing the operating device to an item of clothing of an operator. In particular, the fixing device can be constructed for attaching the operating device to a belt. Thus, the operating device can be arranged on an operator's belt in a simple manner so that the operator can operate the cleaning appliance in a desired manner by means of the operating device using his left or right hand depending on the way in which the operating device is fixed to his belt.

Preferably the fixing device is in the form of a belt clip. The operating device can thus be arranged easily and quickly on an operator's belt.

The operating device can be constructed in a particularly simple and compact manner if the fixing device is arranged or formed on a side wall of the housing. In particular thereby, this may be a side wall of the housing which defines the largest side-surface of the housing.

The operating device can be constructed in a particularly simple and economical manner if the fixing device is formed with the housing in one piece manner. For example, the housing can be made from a plastics material by injection molding in the form of a single or multipart component, wherein the fixing device, for example, a belt clip or a feed-through or an eye for a retaining strap or the like is formed in one piece manner on the side wall. In addition, the costs for mounting the operating device are thereby minimized.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention, provision may be made for the operating device to comprise an indicator device for indicating a status of the energy supply device and/or for indicating a mode of operation of the cleaning device. By means of the indicator device, an operator can receive feedback in particular optically as to whether the cleaning appliance is activated or deactivated and/or the mode of operation in which the cleaning appliance is currently operating. In addition, a status of the energy supply device can also be optionally indicated by means of the indicator device. An operator can thus determine at any time just how much energy is still available and so can if necessary estimate or can read off directly from the indicator device the still possible amount of further cleaning time and/or the period of operation of the cleaning appliance.

It is expedient if the indicator device is constructed in the form of a battery indicator. Thus for example, the state of charge of the battery can be indicated. In particular, an operator can thereby check the state of charge of the battery at any time.

Preferably, the indicator device is constructed in the form of an optical and/or acoustic indicator device. Information desired by an operator can be read off directly from an optical indicator device. If the operating device is arranged in such a way that an optical indicator device is only observable with difficulty then, an acoustic indicator device in particular has the advantage that it can give an operator an acoustic feedback for indicating the at least one mode of operation and/or a status of the energy supply device in an acoustic manner. In particular, an acoustic signal or a certain characteristic noise can be produced when the charging status of the battery falls below a certain level.

The operating device can be constructed in a particularly simple and economical manner if the indicator device comprises an optical segmental display. In particular, the segmental display can comprise at least two light emitting elements. In particular, it can be three or four light emitting elements. For example, provision may be made for two, three, four or more light emitting elements in order to indicate in particular the state of charge of the energy supply device. The more light emitting elements there are illuminated, the better the state of charge of the battery for example.

The operating device can be constructed in an especially simple and compact manner if the indicator device is arranged or formed in or on the same side wall as the at least one first switch member and/or the at least one second switch member. In particular, both the indicator device and also the switch members can be formed on the same side wall of the operating device. This also makes it possible in particular for the temporary or permanent arrangement of the operating device in a corresponding receptacle in the cleaning appliance that is provided for this purpose. The operating device can then be accommodated in the housing in a manner such that there is at least one side wall which is still freely accessible and visible. The indicator device and the switch members are preferably located thereon.

In order to enable an operator to make as clear a haptic distinction and separation between the at least one first and the at least one second switch member as possible, it is expedient if the indicator device is arranged or formed between the at least one first switch member and the at least one second switch member.

The operating device can be manufactured economically and in particular also installed in a simple manner if the at least one second switch member and the indicator device are in the form of a unit. This unit may thus comprise in particular an optical and/or acoustic indicator device and the at least one second switch member, for example in the form of a membrane keyboard with integrated indicator device. The unit may also comprise in particular window-like openings which are optionally closed with a transparent cover element and through which the light emitting elements of the indicator device are visible for an operator.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention, provision may be made for the at least one first switch member to comprise a first actuating surface and for the at least one second switch member to comprise a second actuating surface and for a spacing between a surface of the side wall in or on which the at least one first switch member and the at least one second switch member are arranged or formed and the first actuating surface to be larger than a spacing between the surface and the second actuating surface. In this way, the at least one first switch member and the at least one second switch member can be easily and certainly differentiated by an operator, namely, in a purely haptical manner without the switch members having to be observable by an operator. Thus in particular, the first actuating surface can protrude further from the side wall than the second actuating surface. An operator can thus haptically differentiate in particular the at least one first switch member for activating the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device from the at least one second switch member in a simple and secure manner.

In order to avoid an unintentional actuation of the at least one second switch member, it is expedient if the second actuating surface is set back into the housing with respect to the surface.

Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the signal transmission device is constructed in the form of at least one electrical connecting line or in the form of a non-contact-making signal transmission device. Thus in particular, the operating device can be separated completely from the cleaning appliance. For example, an operator can hold the operating device in his hand without provision having to be made for an interconnecting cable between the operating device and the cleaning appliance. In addition, the operating device can then be arranged as desired by an operator during the operation of the cleaning appliance in a simple manner. In particular, the operating device can be arranged on a belt or arranged in some other way on or in an item of clothing of the operator. The provision of at least one electrical connecting line enables the operating device to be configured in such a manner that it is possible for it to remain connected to the cleaning appliance at least during the operation thereof. In particular, the risk of unwanted loss of the operating device can thereby be minimized. If the connecting line is sufficiently long, then a desired positioning thereof on an item of clothing of an operator for example can also be made possible in the case of an operating device with a connecting line. In addition, the provision of a signal transmission device in the form of an electrical connecting line has the advantage that no additional energy supply for the operating device is necessary.

The operating device can be constructed in a simple and economical way if the at least one electrical connecting line is in the form of a connecting cable. In particular, it can be connected permanently or temporarily to the cleaning appliance. In particular, the connecting line can comprise one or more control lines for transmitting the control signals produced by the control signal generating device.

It is expedient if a first end of the electrical connecting line is connected inseparably to the housing and if at least one plug connector element is arranged or formed at a second end of the electrical connecting line for the purposes of being brought into engagement with the cleaning appliance in force-locking and/or positively-locking manner. A permanent connection of the connecting line to the housing also ensures in particular that the connecting line is always available with the operating device for the purposes of a connection to the cleaning appliance. The connecting line can also optionally comprise a second end which is permanently connected to the cleaning appliance. As described, it can alternatively also comprise at least one plug connector element. This permits the connecting line and hence too the operating device to be separated from the cleaning appliance for the purposes of storing it or for transporting the cleaning appliance for example.

Furthermore, it can be expedient if the electrical connecting line is fed out from a side wall of the housing and if the spacing between this side wall and the at least one second switch member is smaller than the spacing between this side wall and the at least one first switch member. In particular, this arrangement makes it possible to freely arrange the operating device on the clothing of an operator in such a way that the at least one first switch member is spaced further from the cleaning appliance, and hence is therefore arranged further forward on the body and can thus be more easily actuated by an operator.

Control signals can be transmitted from the operating device to the cleaning appliance without an electrical connecting line and vice versa in a simple manner if the non-contact-making signal transmission device comprises a transmitting device for transmitting and/or receiving radio signals. Radio signals can, in particular, be electromagnetic signals of any kind. In particular, they may be radio signals conforming to the Bluetooth standard.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a cleaning appliance with a cleaning device that is arranged to be carried on the back, a mains-network-independent energy supply device for supplying the cleaning device with energy, in particular electrical energy, and an operating device for controlling the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device, wherein the operating device is constructed in the form of an operating device for controlling, in particular for activating and deactivating, at least one of the cleaning device and the energy supply device, which operating device comprises a control signal generating device for producing control signals for controlling at least one of the cleaning device and the energy supply device and a signal transmission device for transmitting the control signals, wherein the control signal generating device comprises at least one first switch member for activating and deactivating the cleaning device, wherein the operating device comprises at least one second switch member for activating and deactivating at least one mode of operation of the cleaning device and wherein the at least one first switch member and the at least one second switch member are constructed in a haptically distinguishable manner.

In particular, arranged separately from the cleaning device means that although it is connected effectively to the cleaning device by means of a cable connection for example, but as an actual operating device however, it is constructed separately from the cleaning device and in particular from a housing thereof. Consequently, the operating device can be arranged separately from the cleaning appliance and arranged in a manner desired by an operator. Hence, an operator can control, for example activate or deactivate the cleaning appliance that can be carried on his back and/or activate or change its mode of operation in a simple manner by means of the operating device, in particular, without having to have direct visual contact with the operating device. An operator can operate the cleaning appliance in a simple and secure manner due to the ability to haptically distinguish the at least one first switch member and the at least one second switch member from each other.

It is expedient if the cleaning appliance comprises a housing and if the operating device is arranged such as to be spatially separated from the housing. The operating device can thus be arranged ergonomically optimally by an operator for the purposes of operating the cleaning appliance. The operating device can nevertheless be selectively connected or coupled to the cleaning appliance and in particular to its housing in non-contact-making or wired manner. In particular, the cleaning device can be arranged in the housing of the cleaning appliance in order to protect it from external effects and damage.

Preferably, the operating device is connected to the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device for control purposes. In this way for example, an operator can activate the cleaning device and/or activate the energy supply device for the purposes of delivering energy for the operation of the cleaning device. In particular, connected for control purposes can mean in non-contact-making or wired manner.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention, provision may be made for the cleaning appliance to comprise a control and/or regulating device for controlling and/or regulating the cleaning device, wherein the control and/or regulating device is connected to the energy supply device, the cleaning device and the operating device for control purposes. For example, the cleaning appliance can be constructed in a manner such that control signals which are produced by the operating device are processed by the control and/or regulating device for the purposes of controlling the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device. In particular, the control and/or regulating device can be constructed for activating the cleaning device and/or for activating and deactivating an operating mode of the cleaning appliance. For example, the cleaning power can be different in dependence on the selected operating mode or on a selected type of operation. Thus in particular, a cleaning power can be preset by an operator by means of the operating device by actuation of the at least one second switch member in dependence on the dirt that is to be removed.

It is advantageous if the cleaning appliance comprises a transmitting and/or receiving device for transmitting control signals to the operating device and/or for receiving control signals therefrom. In particular, the transmitting and/or receiving device can be constructed for receiving control signals from the non-contact-making signal transmission device of the operating device or for transmitting indicator signals for the purposes of controlling the indicator device. In particular, the transmitting and/or receiving device can be comprised by the control and/or regulating device which can then exercise multiple functions.

Furthermore, it can be expedient if the transmitting and/or receiving device is connected for control purposes to the control and/or regulating device, the energy supply device and/or the cleaning device. This makes it possible in particular to transmit control signals which are sent from the operating device and are received by the transmitting and/or receiving device directly to the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device or indirectly thereto via the control and/or regulating device.

It is additionally advantageous if the operating device is connected to the cleaning device for control purposes in wired or non-contact-making manner. This makes it possible in particular to produce an arrangement which is such that the operating device can cooperate with the cleaning device, by radio for example, in a completely separated manner i.e. without any mechanical connections. In particular, a Bluetooth connection between the operating device and the cleaning appliance can be provided here. Alternatively, a wired connection for coupling the operating device and the cleaning device to one another could also be provided. In this way in particular, one can dispense with an additional energy supply device for the operating device.

The cleaning appliance that can be carried on the back can be carried in a simple manner for an even longer period of time by an operator if it comprises a carrier device in the form of a carrier frame for example. An operator can thus use both hands in another manner for the cleaning process, for example, for manipulating a cleaning hose of the cleaning appliance.

It is expedient if the cleaning device comprises a suction device. For example, the cleaning appliance can be used in order to deal with small amounts of dirt in areas having a variety of obstacles and without easily accessible energy supply connections such as wall sockets. In particular, a cleaning appliance of this type can be utilized in cinemas, passenger trains or airplanes in order to remove dry, light coarse dirt quickly and easily. For this purpose in particular, the cleaning device can comprise a dirt collecting receptacle which is capable of being emptied in dependence on the need.

FIG. 1 shows a cleaning appliance that can be carried on the back bearing the overall reference symbol 10. It is, in particular, constructed in the form of a suction appliance 12.

The cleaning appliance 10 comprises a carrier device 14 with shoulder belts 16 so that an operator 18 can carry the cleaning appliance 10 comfortably on his back. The carrier device 14 can optionally be braced or be constructed in the form of a carrier frame and furthermore may comprise a lap belt 20 for ergonomic and comfortable carriage of the cleaning appliance 10.

On the carrier device 14, there is arranged a housing 22 in which a cleaning device in the form of a suction device 24 that is not illustrated in detail is arranged. The suction device 24 can comprise in particular a dirt collecting receptacle 26. A connector piece 28 for a dust extraction hose 30 is in fluid connection with the suction device 24 and is led outwardly through the housing 22. A suction nozzle 34 for a particular usage of the cleaning appliance 10 can be arranged as required at a free end 32 of the dust extraction hose 30.

An energy supply device 36 in the form of a rechargeable battery 38 which is connected for control purposes to a control and/or regulating device 40 is arranged in the housing 22. The control and/or regulating device 40 is in turn connected for control purposes to the suction device 24 in order to control a motor 42 thereof that is used for propelling a fan of the suction device 24.

The battery 38 is arranged in the lower part of the suction appliance 12 and is protected by a battery housing 44.

An unlocking button 128 located on the rear side of the housing 22 remote from the carrier device 14 serves for unlocking the battery 38 so that it can be removed from the battery housing 44 or so that the battery housing 44 together with the battery 38 can be taken away from the cleaning appliance 10.

Below the unlocking button 128 and beside a charge indicator 130, there is arranged a push-button 132 with which the charge indicator 130 can be activated. This is constructed in the form of a segmental display for indicating the charging state of the battery 38. For example, prior to using the cleaning appliance, the operator can query the state of charge of the battery by actuating the push-button 132.

The push-button 132 and the charge indicator 130 are connected for control purposes to the control and/or regulating device 40.

Above the battery housing 44 a holder 46 defining a receptacle for an operating device 48 of the cleaning appliance 10 is formed laterally on the middle part of the housing 22. It comprises a removable cover 50 for enabling access to the operating device 48. If the cleaning appliance 10 is not being used, the operating device 48 can be stored in the holder 46 for protection. The construction of the operating device 48 is described in more detail in the following.

An opening 52 which is closed by a filter cover 54 and faces away from the carrier device 14 is formed on the housing 22 in the central region thereof. The exhaust air from the suction device 24 flows through the filter cover 54.

A switching element 56 which is connected to the control and/or regulating device 40 for control purposes and is in the form of an electrical push-button actuator for example can optionally be arranged below the filter cover 54. The cleaning appliance 10 can be activated by actuation of the switching element 56.

An operating mode selection switch 58 with which switching between at least two different modes of operation of the cleaning appliance 10 can be effected may optionally be arranged beside the switching element 56. In particular, switching into an energy-saving mode can be effected by actuating the operating mode selection switch 58. The suction power of the suction device 24 is reduced in this energy-saving mode in order to reduce the amount of current that is made available by the battery 38.

Furthermore, an indicator device 60 with which the state of charge of the battery 38 and/or the selected mode of operation can be indicated can optionally be arranged between the operating mode selection switch 58 and the switching element 56.

In principle, the switching element 56 together with the operating mode selection switch 58 are sufficient for enabling one to work with the cleaning appliance 10 in the desired way. However, for ergonomic operation of the cleaning appliance 10 whilst it is being used, both the switching element 56 and the operating mode selection switch 58 as well as the indicator device 60 are not observable and can only be reached with difficulty by the operator 18.

In order to provide a remedy here, there is provided the operating device 48 which comprises a first switch member 62, a second switch member 64 and an indicator device 66.

The function of the first switch member 62 corresponds to the switching element 56. The suction device 24 can be activated or deactivated by actuation of the first switch member 62.

The function of the second switch member 64 corresponds to the operating mode selection switch 58. Thus, one can change between one or more modes of operation with the second switch member 64 by actuation thereof. For example, one can switch into an energy saving mode in which the suction device 24 is operated with reduced power by actuation of the second switch member 64.

The operating device 48 comprises a housing 68 having an upper side 70 defining a surface 126, an outer side 72 and an inner side 74 on which a fixing device 76 is arranged or formed, in particular in one piece manner, for example in the form of a belt clip or a pass-through for a belt. A narrow front side 78 as well as a rear side 80 facing in the opposite direction likewise delimit an interior space 82 of the operating device 48.

On a lower side 84 remote from the upper side 70, there are three mutually parallel recesses 86 formed which serve, in particular, for accommodating the index finger, the middle finger and the ring finger of the operator 18 when the latter is holding the operating device 48 in his hand.

The first switch member 62, the second switch member 64 and the indicator device 66 located therebetween are arranged on the upper side 70. The switch members 62 and 64 are constructed such as to be haptically distinguishable from each other.

The first switch member 62 is constructed in the form of an electrical push-button actuator 88 which, in a basic position, has a first actuating surface 90 which protrudes with respect to the surface 126 and is spaced therefrom.

The second switch member 64 is constructed in the form of a membrane push-button 92 which, in known manner, is operable in the form of a clicker. It defines a second actuating surface 94 which is set back with reference to the first actuating surface 90. Taken with reference to the surface 126 however, the second actuating surface 94 is not set back or is only set back to a small extent into the housing 68.

The indicator device 66 comprises a plurality of light emitting elements 96 in the form of light emitting diodes 98 which are arranged in particular in a battery symbol in order to indicate the state of charge of the battery 46, in the case of the embodiment of the operating device 48 illustrated in the Figures there being three such elements.

The indicator device 66 and the second switch member 64 form a unit 100.

The indicator device 66 could also be optionally constructed for emitting acoustic signals in order to indicate the state of charge of the battery 38 or the selected mode of operation.

An actuating force for actuating the first switch member 62 preferably differs from an actuating force for actuating the second switch member 64. In particular, a first actuating force for actuating the first switch member 62 can be smaller than an actuating force for actuating the second switch member 64.

A mounting plate 102 having a plurality of electrical terminal contacts is arranged in the operating device. It serves for the purposes of connecting the electrical terminal contacts of the switch members 62 and 64 as well as the indicator device 66 to the control lines 104 of a connecting cable 106 which is also referred to as a connecting line or a lead-in connection. The connecting cable 106 is firmly connected to the operating device 48 and is secured to the housing 68 by a strain relief device 108. The connecting cable 106 is fed out through a break-through in the housing 68 and sealed relative to the housing 68 by a sealing element 110.

A plug connector element 112 which can be inserted into a corresponding plug connector receptacle 114 on the cleaning appliance 10 is arranged at a free end of the connecting cable 106. In particular, the plug connector receptacle 114 can be arranged in the holder 46 so that it is protected by the cover 50. In FIG. 1, the plug connector element 112 is in fact inserted into the holder 46 but is not however in engagement with the plug connector receptacle 114. In order for the operator 18 to be able to control the cleaning appliance 10 with the operating device 48, the plug connector element 112 and the plug connector receptacle 114 must be brought into engagement. For the purposes of storage and transportation of the cleaning appliance, the plug connector element 112 and the plug connector receptacle 114 are preferably disengaged so that the operating device 48 together with the connecting cable 106 can be completely accommodated in the container.

Alternatively, the free end of the connecting cable 106 could also be fed into the housing 22 and connected in circuit with the control and/or regulating device 40 at another position, for example, at a side facing the back of the operator 18 in the region of the lap belt 20.

The operating device 48 comprises a control signal generating device 116 which comprises the switch members 62 and 64. Control signals can be produced therewith, in particular, for controlling the suction device 24 forming a cleaning device and/or the energy supply device 36.

For the purpose of transmitting the control signals, there serves a signal transmission device 118 which comprises in particular the connecting cable 106 comprising the control lines 104.

For control purposes, the plug connector receptacle 114 is connected to the control and/or regulating device 40, and it is also selectively connected directly to the suction device 24 and/or the energy supply device 36 in order to control them.

In particular, the cleaning appliance 10 in connection with the operating device 48 can be constructed in such a manner that a control voltage of the battery 46 continues to be applied to a first terminal contact of the first switch member 62.

A control signal in the form of a waking signal is transmitted to the control and/or regulating device 40 by actuating the first switch member 62. This then activates the cleaning appliance 10 in such a manner that the battery voltage is applied permanently to the control and/or regulating device 40 until it is deactivated.

A switch-off signal for deactivating the control and/or regulating device 40 and hence too for deactivating the suction device 24 can then follow, in particular, by a renewed actuation of the first switch member 62 or alternatively by means of the switching element 56. Optionally, a switch-off signal can also be produced if the voltage of the battery 38 falls below a given minimum. To this end, there can be provided an under-voltage shutdown device which is comprised by the battery 38 or by the control and/or regulating device 40. In particular, the control and/or regulating device 40 is prevented from consuming current in the switched off state by means of this special arrangement. Thus, as described, it can switch itself off completely automatically.

The indicator device 66 is only activated, in particular, after the cleaning appliance 10 has been activated. To this end, the control and/or regulating device 40 samples the operating voltage of the battery 38 and passes appropriate indicator signals on to the indicator device 66.

The second switch member 64 and likewise the operating mode selection switch 58 can be constructed in such a manner that a control signal is transmitted to the control and/or regulating device by actuation thereof. In particular, the control and/or regulating device 40 can comprise a memory device in order to store the last selected mode of operation. This makes it possible to continue to work with the last selected mode of operation when the cleaning appliance 10 is activated.

Optionally or alternatively, the indicator device 66 can also indicate the selected mode of operation. This can likewise be effected optically by means of one or more illuminated elements, in particular, of differing colors or differing size. Alternatively, display elements could also be provided with which text and correspondingly also symbols can be displayed in an arbitrary manner.

As an alternative to the connecting cable 106, the signal transmission device 118 could also be constructed in the form of a non-contact-making signal transmission device 118 having a transmitting device 120 for transmitting and/or receiving radio signals which is arranged or formed on the operating device 48 and a transmitting and/or receiving device 122 on the cleaning appliance 10 which is connected for control purposes to the control and/or regulating device 40 and which is configured for transmitting and/or receiving control signals to or from the operating device 48. In particular, the transmitting device 120 and the transmitting and/or receiving device 122 can be configured such as to transmit control signals over a Bluetooth connection.

The cleaning appliance 10 together with the operating device 48 make it possible for the operator 18 to not only activate and deactivate the suction device 24 ergonomically but also to select between at least two different modes of operation. In addition, the operator 18 can also check the state of charge of the battery 38 with the operating device 48 held on a belt 124 for example without having to remove the cleaning appliance 10 from his back. It suffices here for example to merely glance to the side if the operating device 48 is arranged laterally of the body of the operator on his belt 124 in order to obtain all the essential information regarding the operational state of the cleaning appliance 10. In addition, the haptically mutually distinguishable switch members 62 and 64 enable the operator 18 to operate the cleaning appliance 10 essentially blindly because the switch members 62 and 64 can be noticeably differentiated from one another. Moreover, they are sufficiently separated from each other by the indicator device 66 arranged between them. In this way, faulty operation of the cleaning appliance can be securely avoided.

Optionally the cleaning appliance 10 can be equipped with a removable battery 38. Thus in particular, continuous employment of the cleaning appliance 10 can be achieved because after emptying, the battery can be exchanged for a charged battery 38.

The construction of the cleaning appliance as well as the operating device 48 described above is illustrated schematically in FIG. 6. The reference symbols used in FIG. 6 correspond to the reference symbols which were used for the designation of the cleaning appliance 10 in FIGS. 1 to 5.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

-   10 cleaning appliance -   12 suction appliance -   14 carrier device -   16 shoulder belt -   18 operator -   20 lap belt -   22 housing -   24 suction device -   26 dirt collecting receptacle -   28 connector piece -   30 dust extraction hose -   32 end -   34 suction nozzle -   36 energy supply device -   38 battery -   40 control and/or regulating device -   42 motor -   44 battery housing -   46 holder -   48 operating device -   50 cover -   52 opening -   54 filter cover -   56 switching element -   58 operating mode selection switch -   60 indicator device -   62 first switch member -   64 second switch member -   66 indicator device -   68 housing -   70 outer side -   74 inner side -   76 fixing device -   78 front side -   80 rear side -   82 interior space -   84 lower side -   86 recess -   88 push button -   90 first actuating surface -   92 membrane push-button -   94 second actuating surface -   96 light emitting element -   98 light emitting diode -   100 unit -   102 mounting plate -   104 control line -   106 connecting cable -   108 strain relief device -   110 sealing element -   112 plug connector element -   114 plug connector receptacle -   116 control signal generating device -   118 signal transmission device -   120 transmitting device -   122 transmitting and/or receiving device -   124 belt -   126 surface -   128 unlocking button -   130 charge indicator -   132 push-button 

1. An operating device for controlling, in particular for activating and deactivating, at least one of a cleaning device and an energy supply device of a cleaning appliance that can be carried on the back, which operating device comprises a control signal generating device for producing control signals for controlling at least one of the cleaning device and the energy supply device and a signal transmission device for transmitting the control signals, wherein the control signal generating device comprises at least one first switch member for activating and deactivating the cleaning device, wherein the operating device comprises at least one second switch member for activating and deactivating at least one mode of operation of the cleaning device and wherein the at least one first switch member and the at least one second switch member are constructed in a haptically distinguishable manner.
 2. The operating device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a housing.
 3. The operating device in accordance with claim 2, wherein the housing comprises at least one side wall and wherein the at least one first switch member and the at least one second switch member are arranged or formed in or on the at least one side wall.
 4. The operating device in accordance with claim 3, wherein at least one of: a) the at least one first switch member and the at least one second switch member are arranged or formed on the same side wall of the housing; and b) the at least one side wall forms an upper side of the housing which faces in a direction opposed to the direction of the force of gravity when the operating device is arranged and oriented in the intended manner.
 5. The operating device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one first switch member is in the form of an electromechanical push-button actuator or switch and wherein the at least one second switch member is in the form of a membrane push-button or switch.
 6. The operating device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one first switch member and the at least one second switch member are constructed in a manner such that a first actuating force for actuating the at least one first switch member and a second actuating force for actuating the at least one second switch member differ.
 7. The operating device in accordance with claim 6, wherein the second actuating force is larger than the first actuating force, in particular, is at least twice as big.
 8. The operating device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a fixing device for attaching or fixing the operating device to an item of clothing of an operator, in particular, to a belt.
 9. The operating device in accordance with claim 8, wherein the fixing device is at least one of: a) in the form of a belt clip; and b) arranged or formed on a side wall of the housing; and c) formed with the housing in one piece manner.
 10. The operating device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising an indicator device for at least one of indicating a status of the energy supply device and indicating the at least one mode of operation of the cleaning device.
 11. The operating device in accordance with claim 10, wherein at least one of: a) the indicator device is constructed in the form of a battery indicator; and b) the indicator device is constructed in the form of at least one of an optical and acoustic indicator device; and c) the indicator device comprises an optical segmental display; and d) the indicator device comprises an optical segmental display having at least two light emitting elements; and e) the indicator device comprises an optical segmental display having at least two light emitting elements in the form of light emitting diodes.
 12. The operating device in accordance with claim 10, wherein at least one of: a) the indicator device is arranged or formed in or on the same side wall as at least one of the at least one first switch member and the at least one second switch member; and b) the indicator device is arranged or formed between the at least one first switch member and the at least one second switch member; and c) the at least one second switch member and the indicator device form a unit.
 13. The operating device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one first switch member comprises a first actuating surface and wherein the at least one second switch member comprises a second actuating surface and wherein the spacing between a surface of the side wall, in or on which the at least one first switch member and the at least one second switch member are arranged or formed, and the first actuating surface is greater than the spacing between the surface and the second actuating surface.
 14. The operating device in accordance with claim 13, wherein the second actuating surface is set back into the housing with respect to the surface.
 15. The operating device in accordance with claim 14, wherein the signal transmission device is in the form of at least one electrical connecting line or in the form of a non-contact-making signal transmission device.
 16. The operating device in accordance with claim 15, wherein at least one of: a) the at least one electrical connecting line is in the form of a connecting cable; and b) a first end of the electrical connecting line is connected non-detachably to the housing and wherein at least one plug connector element is arranged or formed at a second end of the electrical connecting line for the purposes of being brought into engagement with the cleaning appliance in at least one of force-locking and positively-locking manner; and c) the electrical connecting line is fed out from a side wall of the housing and wherein a spacing between this side wall and the at least one second switch member is smaller than a spacing between this side wall and the at least one first switch member; and d) the non-contact-making signal transmission device comprises a transmitting device for transmitting radio signals.
 17. A cleaning appliance with a cleaning device that is arranged to be carried on the back, a mains-network-independent energy supply device for supplying the cleaning device with energy, in particular electrical energy, and an operating device for controlling at least one of the cleaning device and the energy supply device, wherein the operating device is constructed in the form of an operating device for controlling, in particular for activating and deactivating, at least one of the cleaning device and the energy supply device, which operating device comprises a control signal generating device for producing control signals for controlling at least one of the cleaning device and the energy supply device and a signal transmission device for transmitting the control signals, wherein the control signal generating device comprises at least one first switch member for activating and deactivating the cleaning device, wherein the operating device comprises at least one second switch member for activating and deactivating at least one mode of operation of the cleaning device and wherein the at least one first switch member and the at least one second switch member are constructed in a haptically distinguishable manner.
 18. The cleaning appliance in accordance with claim 17, further comprising a housing, wherein at least one of: a) the operating device is arranged spatially separate from the housing; and b) the operating device is connected to at least one of the cleaning device and the energy supply device for control purposes; and c) the cleaning applicance comprises a control and/or regulating device for at least one of controlling and regulating the cleaning device, wherein the control and/or regulating device is connected to the energy supply device, the cleaning device and the operating device for control purposes; and d) the cleaning appliance comprises a transmitting and/or receiving device for at least one of transmitting control signals to and receiving control signals from the operating device; and e) the operating device comprises a signal transmission device for transmitting the control signals, wherein the signal transmission device is in the form of a non-contact-making signal transmission device, wherein the cleaning appliance comprises a transmitting and/or receiving device for at least one of transmitting control signals to and receiving control signals from the operating device, namely from the non-contact-making signal transmission device thereof; and f) the cleaning appliance comprises a transmitting and/or receiving device for at least one of transmitting control signals to and for receiving control signals from the operating device, wherein the transmitting and/or receiving device is connected to at least one of the control and regulating device, the energy supply device and the cleaning device for control purposes.
 19. The cleaning appliance in accordance with claim 17, wherein the operating device is connected to the cleaning device for control purposes in cable-connected manner or in non-contact-making manner.
 20. The cleaning appliance in accordance with claim 17, wherein at least one of: a) the cleaning appliance comprises a carrier frame; and b) the cleaning device comprises a suction device. 